Jessie Diggins Claims First-Ever Classic Cross-Country Skiing Victory in Toblach, Italy

Jessie Diggins etched another milestone into her storied career on Sunday in Toblach, Italy, with a stunning victory in the women’s 15-kilometer mass start classic race. The win marks her first-ever victory in classic cross-country skiing and her second consecutive victory in the Tour de Ski, putting the American cross-country skier firmly in the lead for the overall tour.

• Related: Jessie Diggins Wins First Stage of Tour de Ski in Toblach, Italy

The 33-year-old American skier beat Finland’s Kerttu Niskanen by half a second, with Norway’s Astrid Øyre Slind claiming third. Diggins, who was visibly emotional after crossing the finish line, credited her team and years of dedication to mastering the classic discipline. “I’ve been working so hard on classic skiing my whole life, and it’s really emotional to finally do it,” Diggins said. “It took me so many races to get here, but this shows why you never give up. You keep working.”

The race unfolded on a fast and hilly course under sunny skies, with Diggins battling alongside Slind and Norwegian teammate Therese Johaug, a three-time Tour de Ski champion. Johaug dominated the climbs, collecting bonus points for the best climber’s jersey, but Diggins repeatedly closed the gap on the downhills with sharp technique and expertly prepared skis. “I’m so thankful to my team—they gave me the perfect skis,” Diggins said. “They were fast but had the grip I needed on the final hill. It was pure magic.”

In the final 300 meters, Diggins made her decisive move, surging ahead on the last climb. Johaug faded, leaving Niskanen and Slind to battle for second, but neither could catch the American, who crossed the line triumphant. The victory is a testament to Diggins’ versatility and determination. Already a two-time Tour de Ski champion and an Olympic Gold medalist, she has long excelled in freestyle cross-country events. Adding a win in classic cross-country skiing to her résumé solidifies her status as one of cross-country skiing’s all-time greats.

Reflecting on the achievement, Diggins said, “I think I came into this in a really good headspace. I’m healthy, I’m happy, and I’m loving what I’m doing. It’s an amazing team atmosphere. There’s going to be a big party in the truck today, I think!” The American has been very open about her long struggle with eating disorders and has been an advocate for more awareness about eating disorders within the winter sports community.

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Diggins wasn’t the only American making waves in Toblach. Rosie Brennan secured 14th place, continuing her consistent Tour performance. Julia Kern, Sophia Laukli, and Alayna Sonnesyn rounded out the U.S. women’s contingent, finishing 31st, 46th, and 50th, respectively. On the men’s side, Gus Schumacher impressed with a seventh-place finish in the 15-kilometer classic mass start, showcasing his strategic acumen and grit on the challenging course. Ben Ogden finished 26th, maintaining his fifth-place standing in the overall Tour rankings, while Zanden McMullen placed 17th in a strong showing.

Schumacher’s aggressive racing on the penultimate climb highlighted his determination to contend for a podium spot as the Tour progresses. “I knew I had to do something big,” Schumacher said. “I pushed hard, got into position, and went for it. I didn’t have the legs to hold it at the end, but I’m proud of how I raced.”

Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo once again dominated the men’s race, claiming his second consecutive stage win, with compatriots Erik Valnes and Håvard Moseby completing the podium.

After a well-earned rest day on Monday, the Tour de Ski resumes on December 31 with the 20-kilometer interval start freestyle race, also in Toblach. With Diggins leading the women’s overall standings and the U.S. team riding a wave of momentum, all eyes will be on the Americans as they aim to keep their strong start going.